Bristol's biggest college has hit another low after their latest inspection. But plans to improve are afoot.

Michael Yong reports.

Troubled City of Bristol College has been criticised again by regulators – but a new principal has vowed to turn things round.

The Ofsted report, published today, saw their rating drop from Requiring Improvement in Inadequate, the lowest possible outcome.

It has now been more than six years since the college – which has 3,100 full-time learners between 16 and 18 years old, and 5,500 students in total – was given a Good rating from the regulator.

Lee Probert was installed in the top position at the college in January 4, just weeks before the inspection by the education watchdog.

He took over from Lynn Merilion, who left the college in November 2015 after a two-year stint.

Weaknesses

In the latest report, inspectors said the senior leaders at the college, including governors, have been slow to tackle the weakness identified during the last inspection in May 2014.

Students were not attending classes on a regular basis and the proportion of students completing their courses has dropped "well-below" the national average, while attainment – especially in English and Maths – was poor.

Criticising the college, inspectors said staff were not doing enough to motivate their students.

"Teachers and managers do not monitor learners' progress closely enough and do not provide the challenge or support learners require to make sufficient progress," they wrote.

"The proportion of leaders who successfully complete their course is low and has fallen since the previous inspection. A very low proportion of learners complete their apprenticeships within the expected timescale.

"Leaders and managers have not improved the standards of training in apprenticeships quickly enough.

"The teaching of English and Maths is not good enough, with a very low proportion of learners successfully achieving qualifications in these subjects."

Lee Probert, Principal of City of Bristol College

Restrictions on the college's powers to award qualifications have mostly been removed, although "a very small amount" of sanctions remain.

The new principal is confident he will be able to turn things round in "12 to 18 months".

He said: "There is no reason why Bristol shouldn't have a good college."This report provides a very clear sense of focus on where we need to invest our energies in driving improvement, with strengths which we can build on.

"The judgements are a reflection of where we have been and not of where we are going as a college."

Since taking over, Mr Probert has made widespread changes to the leadership team, with six of the top 10 positions being filled by staff not previously in those roles.

He said there will be "consequences" for those only attending less than 75 per cent of their classes, while there are plans to introduce rewards for those who make the effort.

"We have to find out the root causes for it. Sometimes it's deprivation or maybe the student needs more support because they might be a carer or have a job," he said.

"We need to know what we can do about it. It might be their timetable is in the wrong shape, and we can help accommodate it around them.

"But if we've done all of that – and we have to be really clear – if they are serious about doing what they want to do, and you only want to be in class 75 per cent of the time, we are not prepared to welcome you here because you are not demonstrating the employability to go into the world of work."

Teachers

Teachers were mostly criticised in the latest report, and Mr Probert said it was down to them to make sure students remain motivated.

"We want a really clear system of sanctions and rewards and incentive for students to come to class," he said.

City of Bristol College, Ashley Down Centre

"We have to make sure the quality of the learning experience here is the very best it is and staff are working hard to make sure they are.

"I believe that every member of staff here are professionals and no one comes to do a bad job."

It is not all bad news. The college was praised for having good links with commercial leaders when it comes to apprenticeships, although staff and managers need to do more to motivate students.

Teaching in practical lessons have also been praised as "most effective", while support for those with special needs is good.

Attendance in apprenticeships is high, and "contribute positively" to the organisations they work for. Many of the staff are new and inspectors said they were "working hard" to correct the wrongs, especially because they have good industry expertise.

The college will start working with Outstanding schools such as Redland Green to make sure they are moving in the right direction.

Paul Jacobs, service director for education and skills at the Bristol City Council, said they were working with the college.

He added: "Clearly the outcome of the inspection is not what we would have hoped for, but Bristol needs a strong and vibrant college at its heart, working alongside the city's schools."

History

An inspection in January 2010 was the last time the college was given a Good rating. It has slipped downwards since.

In February 2013, it slumped toan Inadequate grade, the worst possible.

The follow up to that inspection, in October 2013, saw some progress at the college, but not enough.

Slight improvements were made before the inspection in May 2014, and they moved up a grade to Requiring Improvement.

But the report yesterday showed it had again gone down a step.

What needs to be done

It is clear a lot needs to be changed if the college is to ever reach lofty heights again.

Leaders at the school needs to tackle the weaknesses identified by the inspectors, something the previous administration failed to do properly.

There needs to be an effective strategy when it comes to improving attendance and punctuality, including setting high expectations for students. Disruption to lessons because of the high turnover of staff must also be stopped.

Each student must be closely monitored to identify those falling behind with their work and help them catch up with their peers.

Set high expectations for students, and set them challenging and stretching targets.

Set up strong leadership for apprenticeships to ensure they meet the requirements of employers.

Tackle the weaknesses in the teaching of English and Maths so that high levels of attainment can be reached.

Work with local partners - including other schools and the council - to ensure they can make use of the best practice.

Provide governors with simpl and regular reports that show progress against agreed performance indicators so they understand how well the college is doing.